What seven potentially reversible causes of hypertension should be identified first before administering beta blockers?
Pain, hyperthermia, anxiety, increased ICP, bladder distention, poorly controlled HTN, and lack of anesthesia.
What are the three primary physiological effects of beta blockers on the heart?
Decreased heart rate, decreased AV node conduction, and decreased cardiac contractility (CO).
Which beta blocker causes significant vasodilation due to alpha 1 receptor blockade?
Labetalol.
Why are non-selective beta blockers like Propranolol and Labetalol contraindicated in asthmatics?
They can cause bronchospasm.
Beta blockers can mask the symptoms of which metabolic condition?
Hypoglycemia.
Which receptors does Labetalol antagonize?
Nonselective beta 1, beta 2, and selective alpha 1.
What is the primary mechanism of elimination for Esmolol?
Metabolism by plasma esterases.
Esmolol is contraindicated in which cardiac conditions? (4)
Bradycardia, heart block, cardiogenic shock, and heart failure.
Which nonselective beta blocker is used specifically for pheochromocytoma, anxiety, and panic attacks?
Propranolol.
Which selective beta 1 blocker is a common treatment for myocardial infarction (MI)?
Metoprolol.
What is the underlying neurotransmitter imbalance in anticholinergic poisoning?
Too little acetylcholine (ACh).
List the five components of the anticholinergic toxicity mnemonic.
Mad as a hatter, dry as a bone, red as a beet, hot as a hare, blind as a bat.
Which symptoms characterize ‘Mild’ anticholinergic toxicity? (5)
Tachycardia, flushed face, mydriasis/blurred vision, dry mouth/skin, and fever.
Which symptoms characterize ‘Moderate’ anticholinergic toxicity? (4)
Agitated delirium, urinary retention, hypertension, and hyperthermia.
What are the cardiovascular signs of ‘Severe’ anticholinergic toxicity? (3)
QRS widening, increased QT interval, and circulatory collapse/hypotension.
Name two medications used to treat anticholinergic toxicity.
Benzodiazepines and Physostigmine.
What specific property of Physostigmine allows it to treat central anticholinergic symptoms?
It is a tertiary amine that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Fentanyl: Side effect of mu1 receptor stimulation on heart rate?
Bradycardia.
Fentanyl: Side effect of mu2 receptor stimulation on respiration?
Respiratory depression.
Fentanyl: Which receptor is responsible for miosis?
Kappa receptor.
What is ‘wooden chest syndrome’ and what causes it?
Skeletal muscle rigidity, often following rapid IV administration of 10-15 mcg/kg.
What type of neuromuscular blocking drug is Pancuronium?
Long-acting, non-depolarizing aminosteroid.
Why does Pancuronium cause modest tachycardia?
Antimuscarinic stimulation and inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake (vagolytic effects).
In what surgical context is Pancuronium often used to counteract opioid-induced bradycardia?
Cardiac surgery.